Patient Reviews of University Foot and Ankle Institute

Dr Franson and staff were excellent. They took the time to answer every question clearly and I didn't feel rushed at all. The wait time in the waiting room to be seen was just a few minutes, which seems unheard of these days. I highly recommend them.

We appreciate Dr. Franson, his staff and the physical therapists in the office. Unfortunately my daughter has had several injuries to her feet and legs and this office has been fantastic. I appreciate that we can easily schedule a convenient time for the appointments and that we never have to wait long before we go in.

Dr. Franson helps my hockey player son w foot injuries and orthotics. I highly recommend. The staff is efficient and easy to deal with. I would say dr. Franson and the team at University foot and ankle are the best in Santa Clarita

Dr Baravarian and the team at UFAI are simply the best. I am 53 and very active. I had surgery to reduce a bone spur that impinged the flexibility of my big toe, and repair the damage to the joint, which made running impossible and walking for long periods very painful. The recovery and healing were absolutely pain free; the entire process was "text book" and I am walking and feeling better than anytime in the last 4 years and fully expect to be hiking, skiing, cycling and running in the next few weeks. You can't find a more qualified team that is more focused on your needs, perfect treatment and your comfort.

I severed my Achilles' tendon the day before thanksgiving. No orthopedic was open until the following Monday, 4 days later. My wife did the research and came up with the idea that the PARS repair surgery was the by far best repair method out there. I called several different orthopedic offices before I found one that could see me same day and that also did the PARS surgery.

I must say that I lucked into the UFAI office and in being connected to Dr. Redkar. She is amazing, very very personable, friendly and struck me as being very Knowledgable and skilled. She spent the time to explain the process for both the surgery and the recovery thoroughly and to my satisfaction.

She scheduled the surgery for the following Friday. It went smoothly and as far as I know perfectly. I was under a general anesthesia so I don't remember anything except that the surgery center she uses was first rate and they treated me with care and concern.

I am very satisfied. It has been a month and a half since the surgery and the cast comes off today. Healing is going better and faster than I expected.

Thank you Dr. Redkar and UFAI for a job well done.

I went here to see Dr. Baravarian for my heel pain, which nobody was able to successfully deal with. He got me back on my feet, literally and my heel pain is gone. Highly recommend them both here and in Santa Monica, where I see him if I am not coming from work. Super easy to work with. I am a fan.

I'm not one to usually write reviews, but Dr. Babak Baravarian and his staff have always been exceptional when it comes to the care of their patients. I have had two surgeries done in this institution and they both were done quickly and smoothly. They are a great group of individuals that make everyone feel comfortable and cared for.

This was a few years ago. I saw Dr. Jason Morris (who is no longer there) who I found to be kind of rude and short.  I also had some issues with billing.

That being said, I am upgrading review to 3 stars for efforts by Steve on their end to try to work with me for a resolution, which turned out to be great.

I can't say enough nice things about Dr. Franson and his staff. If you need care this is the place to go. He put me back together after an injury and has been caring and compassionate with every visit to this office. You never feel rushed like he doesn't have time for your questions no matter how silly and you never have to wait forever in a waiting room to be seen. That shows that they respect your time. Awesome in every way possible.

I went here for ankle surgery back in late July 2017. Surgery with Dr. Baravarian was accomplished and swift. He guided me through the healing process smoothly and I healed quickly.

Then I was on to physiotherapy. Gary and his team were kind, thorough and comprehensive in the many ways I could strengthen and heal my ankle. It was a pleasure visiting them and slowly, methodically, working through my treatment program. I was back on my foot in weeks and I am still feeling the positive effects of their work every day months later.

I would highly recommend this business and these professionals.

I highly recommend this place.  They are full service with multiple doctors, X-ray and MRI, and physical therapy across the hallway. There might be a wait - but emergencies aren't unusual for foot issues so sometimes it's even you needing the immediate help! Dr Clark is fantastic! Even though X-rays showed no break, he asked me many questions, listened intently, and felt around my foot to such a degree we discovered two very painful sites. Ordered MRI and lo and behold they were both small breaks that hadn't shown up on X-ray. Save yourself going all over the place for foot and ankle care.

What I appreciate about the consultation I had with
Dr. Baravarian was his honesty and genuine concern for his patients. I have been to numerous podiatrist in the neighborhood and he will definitely not try to sell you on unnecessary surgery as others do. This doctor is the real deal.

I've known Dr. Briskin for over 10 years now.  They make great orthodics.  They can customize them for whatever shoes you have (office, tennis, casual, etc).  Their staff is super friendly, too.  Thanks, guys!  :)

Dr. Gary Brisken has been my doctor going on two years. He's a very kind and thoughtful physician. The heath of my feet has improved exponentially. It's not just how much I admire Dr Brisken, it's that he has a great staff. From the front desk staff of Teresa to all the the men and women in his office. They really do make a difference. Helping you get your medication to your pharmacy or just be helpful. I would recommend Dr. Brisken without hesitation.
Sincerely
Mark

This place "Rocks" ! I started my journey almost 3yrs ago in search of a practice that would be a good fit for me to have my feet as in both left and right feet bunionectomy.

Dr. Bavarian fondly referred to as Dr. Bob, made me feel comfortable from my very first visit. Straight to the point, explained the procedure, performed the surgery. Cheli made scheduling my surgery quite the breeze. Follow up was easy and precise. Even coordinating with my insurance company. Everything went well. Here is why I decided to write this review. I have been to 2 post surgery appointments and they both have been above par in the level of treatment and care I received. One would expect a certain level of service leading up to surgery, but after surgery follow up has been nothing short of incredible. During my first visit Donald was extremely nice and caring, explaining and talking us through what was going to take place. Once again Dr. Bob was very personal yet professional which I greatly respect. My second post surgery appointment was equally as incredible. I know these words may seem exaggerated but I tell you when you leave you feel like you have been treated very well. During this visit I had the pleasure of Donald, Bernardo, Adrian...all assisting me at some point. Guys kudos for being such professional examples of how to treat, talk and interact with patients. Once again Dr Bob with straight to the point advice which I always appreciate and instruction on what I need to be doing. Last but certainly not least, but because he was the last person to actually meet with me was Dr. Ali. Professional, personable, yet confident in his ability as a doctor. One might think putting a cast on is a simple routine and I am sure for these docs it is...however, the time they take and the care, attention to detail is all a part of the healing process that so many take for granted. Dr. Ali you rock brother! If you are looking for a place to have any sort foot surgery done look no further. I can only speak to my procedures, but if their approach is like it was with me I am confident in saying if you chose them this would be a wise choice. Before I forget, the call center first point of contact is where it all starts. They are awesome...every time I call never long waits and extremely proficient.  I never thought I would say this but I can't wait to have my right foot surgery in December this year.

SDN

Dr. Baravarian is a great doctor. After just one visit he knew what the problem was with my heel. He recommended a cortisone shot for the inflamed bursa in my heel an two days later I was pain free. I would highly recommend him to anyone in the area with feet problems. He has been in the Good Day America morning show and is highly experienced. With the vast number of patients he has seen and treated he will diagnose you and recommend a treatment immediately to get you pain free. and moving again.

Dr. Bob Baravarian and his staff are excellent. Both, the Sherman Oaks and their Santa Monica facilities are superb. There was hardly a wait. It seems they manage their schedule very professional. Dr. Baravarian take his time during the examination and I feel that he really cares about his patients. I went twice, a broken foot and upper joint ligament tears. Nice experience. His staff is very courteous, friendly and accommodating. Great experience - if you have foot and angle problems - GO nowhere else.

Dr. Franson continues to be the best. Their office and staff are great and he is always gentle with injections, etc. Love it here! My husband is a patient too and has had nothing but good results with his surgery. Dr. Franson got rid of his plantar fasciitis. Yaay.

I was really impressed with this medical office. Recently my 89 year old grandmother moved in with me from out of state. I found this office on Yelp and made an appointment since the reviews were so good. Front office woman was welcoming, all the nurses and staff were friendly and helpful. We saw Dr. Franson and he was wonderful, had great bedside manner. He was able to give my grandma the answers she's been waiting for. We were so satisfied with the appointment and getting answers for some of her conditions that other doctors were never able to give her.

I love the staff and Dr. Volkmann in this office. The ladies at the front desk are fabulous as well as the rest of the staff. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Tanler Volkmann. He's just plain awesome. He's courteous, friendly but more important explained everything very thoroughly regarding my issue, the need for surgery and what was done during surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Volkmann and University Foot and Ankle Institute.

This updated review is for the Physical Therapy Dept. only.
I had my first appointment with them yesterday. I found Gray & his colleague to be very pleasant, professional & responsive. The ankle area sure felt better after the massage, icing & exercises. Gray gave me some exercises to do at home.
I've never had tendonitis or physical therapy before. I wasn't sure what to expect. After yesterday's appointment, I know that the recovery does take time & I am on track. This information & encouragement are priceless.
All in all, a really great experience at this office. :)

In March of 2017, I had ruptured my left achilles tendon while playing sports. My orthopedics at the time was Risser Ortho in Pasadena. During my visit there the ortho surgeon gave me basically only one option, open surgery.

I did some research and discovered there was another option, PARS (percutaneous Achilles repair system). This type of surgery was less invasive and the recovery time was much faster. Risser Ortho did not offer this, but only open surgery. University Foot & Ankle was the name that always came up while researching PARS.

I have scheduled an appointment and met with Dr. Redkar. Dr Redkar was warming and attentive from the first encounter. She gave me 2 options, non operative which require months of casting or surgery with PARS technique. Of course, I opted for the PARS surgery technique.

During my whole experience, from office visits to surgery then follow ups, Dr Redkar and the office staffs were incredible. I'm on my way back to normal now, and I owe it all to Dr Redkar. Thank you so much....

Got my foot surgery done by Dr. Briskin and follow up PT across the hall with Gray and these two are top notch. I had some hesitation with getting surgery on my feet after a bad experience in Burbank but I'm so glad I went with this office and this doctor. Staff is excellent.

I saw Dr. Briskin two years ago for a sharp pain in the ball of my foot.  After x-rays, he diagnosed me with a fractured sesamoid bone.  He placed me in a walking cast for 2 weeks and saw me for a follow-up afterward.  I had custom orthotics that I had been wearing for 5 years.  They were old, but Dr. Briskin noted that my insurance had a high deductible and made repairs and adjustments to my existing orthotics to spare me from spending a lot of money.  I was grateful and was able to wear those orthotics for another year.  

Last year, my sesamoid bone and the surrounding tendon became inflamed again.  I decided to get new custom orthotics made and I couldn't be happier with the ones made by Dr. Briskin and his team.

I just saw Dr. Briskin today for a follow up on my ankle, which I fractured 2 months ago. He was as pleasant as always and positive.  Where another podiatrist in the practice mentioned the possibility of surgery at only 6 weeks post injury, Dr. Briskin (along with my orthopedic surgeon at Cedars) was not aggressive and informed me that it will actually take 6 months for the broken bone to completely heal.  He reassured me that everything was aligned in the right place and I just needed to be careful, and give it a total of 6 months to heal.  

I HIGHLY recommend DR. BRISKIN and his staff!  He is THE ONLY doctor to see in this practice!

This is my second experience, first plantar fasciitis, now my Achilles, lucky me. :(I would not go anywhere else and my feet are glad. Both times I have totally avoided surgery and for the Achilles, I was REALLY concerned that would be the case. An amazing thing called PRP (don't ask me to spell what those letters mean), where they spin my own blood down an then re-inject it in the Achilles to tell the body to get its act together and heal the area, is amazing. And it's working, which is the most amazing thing of all.I am thankful for UFAI and that I don't have to think about my Achilles pain anymore.

This review is for the Physical Therapy group...Jason is amazing!  I had pretty severe tendonitis in my ankles and he got me back to healthy and active.  He knew exactly how to treat the problem.  I would always come back to him for any foot or ankle problem in the future, no doubt. Thank you!!